WHO WE ARE

We are the Architects of strategic impact

Athari Communications Ltd is a strategic advisory firm working at the intersection of communications, public policy, and sustainable development. We help organisations turn evidence into influence, and ideas into action. Our work is grounded in a simple belief: that well-crafted communication, anchored in evidence and ethics, can shift power, shape policy, and unlock lasting social change.

How we create change

At Athari, we are builders of alliances for change. We work alongside organisations committed to improving the
well-being of women, children, youth, and men – helping them document impact, challenge harmful narratives,
and design communications strategies that resonate where it matters most. In a rapidly shifting African and
global landscape, we exist to ensure that evidence speaks louder, policy works better, and change is not only
imagined, but achieved.

What Defines Our Work

We partner with foundations, public institutions, private sector actors, development partners, and civil society
across Africa to navigate complex political, social, economic and regulatory environments. Whether supporting
policy reform, advancing gender equality, strengthening civic space, or mobilising support for inclusive
economic systems, we bring clarity to contested narratives and credibility to advocacy efforts. Our approach
blends deep contextual insight, rigorous analysis, and compelling storytelling to help partners engage decision-
makers, influence public opinion, and drive reform that works.

We operate where people and markets meet policy

Athari works in the space where commercial objectives, public policy, and social expectations
intersect. We help clients understand how political, regulatory, and societal dynamics shape risk and
opportunity – and how to engage them strategically.

We believe evidence drives better decisions

Our advice is grounded in rigorous analysis, contextual intelligence, and a deep understanding of
African policy environments. We translate complexity into clear insight that supports sound
investment, effective engagement, and long-term value creation.

We focus on outcomes, not visibility

Communications is not an end in itself. We design strategies that support concrete objectives – whether securing regulatory clarity, strengthening stakeholder trust, protecting reputation, or enabling sustainable growth.

We combine local depth with global standards

Our work is rooted in African markets and realities, while aligned with international best practice in governance, ESG, and responsible investment. This allows our partners to operate credibly across jurisdictions and audiences.

We take a long-term view

We work with organisations committed to building durable value. That means anticipating change,
engaging responsibly, and aligning commercial success with social legitimacy and policy coherence.

We partner, not posture

Athari acts as a trusted advisor, working closely with leadership teams to navigate complexity with discretion, clarity, and confidence.

Our Team Comprises:

Denis Galava, PhD

Managing Partner

Denis is a seasoned communications strategist and public affairs expert with a deep commitment to social justice and sustainable development…

Reyian M. Risa

Senior Advisor, Economic Inclusion and Sustainability

Reyian M. Risa is a dynamic legal professional and sustainability advocate with a proven track record in economic inclusion…

Kagure Gacheche

Senior Advisor, Data and Evidence

Kagure is a distinguished communications professional with extensive experience designing and leading strategic communications initiatives for social change…

Judith Mwobobia

Senior Advisor, Research and Knowledge Translation

Judith is an accomplished storyteller and science communicator with over a decade of journalism experience. She previously…

Pamella Sittoni

Senior Advisor, Strategy and Partnerships

Pamella is an award-winning journalist and thought leader in media, advocacy, and partnerships…

Kamau Wairuri, PhD

Senior Advisor, Strategy and Policy

Kamau is a researcher, educator, and policy consultant specialising in policing, violence, and criminal justice in Africa…

Our Partners

We collaborate with institutions shaping policy, practice, and public discourse across Africa.

Denis Galava, PhD

Managing Partner

Denis is a seasoned communications strategist and public affairs expert with a deep commitment to social justice and sustainable development. He has held senior editorial leadership roles at Nation and The Standard, served as Media and Advocacy Director at the African Wildlife Foundation, and most recently worked as a Strategic Communications Consultant with the World Bank. Denis holds a PhD from the University of Edinburgh and an MSc from the University of Oxford.

Reyian M. Risa

Senior Advisor, Economic Inclusion and Sustainability

Reyian M. Risa is a dynamic legal professional and sustainability advocate with a proven track record in economic inclusion, land management, and community-driven development. Combining her legal expertise with hands-on experience in sustainable pastoralism, she has designed and implemented innovative approaches that integrate traditional knowledge with modern practices to enhance ecological sustainability and economic resilience.  Her experience includes serving as a Refugee Status Determination Officer and participating in Kenya’s Task Force Committee for the transition of refugee management from UNHCR to government, where she led policy development, capacity building, and stakeholder coordination.  Reyian is also the founder of Rennil Olchekut Ranch in Kajiado, promoting sustainable pastoralism, and holds an LLB from the University of Nairobi and entrepreneurship training from Future Female Business School and Honoris United University.

Kagure Gacheche

Senior Advisor, Data and Evidence

Kagure is a distinguished communications professional with extensive experience designing and leading strategic communications initiatives for social change. She has led major campaigns on governance and gender inequality and previously headed investigations, data, and research at The Standard Group.

She specialises in strategic messaging, media relations, and digital communication, and holds an MA in Development Studies from the University of Leeds.

Judith Mwobobia

Senior Advisor, Research and Knowledge Translation

Judith is an accomplished storyteller and science communicator with over a decade of journalism experience. She previously served as Health and Enterprise Editor at The Standard and as a researcher at the Duke Global Health Institute. She is currently pursuing a PhD in Public Health at Washington University in St. Louis, USA, and ensures that data and insights are accessible, engaging, and actionable.

Pamella Sittoni

Senior Advisor, Strategy and Partnerships

Pamella is an award-winning journalist and thought leader in media, advocacy, and partnerships. She previously served as Group Managing Editor at Nation Media Group and as Communications Specialist at UNICEF Kenya, where she championed children’s and women’s rights. She is a Trustee of Thomson Foundation and Africa Check, a recipient of the WAN-IFRA Women in News Editorial Leadership Award, and holds an MA in Communications from the University of Leicester.

Kamau Wairuri, PhD

Senior Advisor, Strategy and Policy

Kamau is a researcher, educator, and policy consultant specialising in policing, violence, and criminal justice in Africa. He is a lecturer in criminology at Edinburgh Napier University and a Research Fellow at Strathmore University Business School. A published author and public commentator, he hosts The Kenyanist podcast and holds a PhD and MSc from the University of Edinburgh and the University of Oxford respectively.